Winter Storm Information
Important updates regarding the historic winter storm in Carlisle
Updated on Saturday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m.
Because of a historic winter storm that dumped nearly 3 feet of snow in Carlisle, we have decided to cancel classes on Monday, Jan. 25. In addition, the college and Children's Center will be closed and only emergency response personnel should report to work on Monday.
We are taking this unusual step because the storm was worse than anticipated and our facilities team needs additional time to clear the snow from building entrances and walkways, as well as parking lots. They have been working diligently throughout the day and will continue to do so to clean up after this challenging storm. ATS and Allison Hall/Witwer parking lots will be closed on Sunday and Monday. We are staging snow removal equipment and piles of snow there so we can work on moving it off campus.
Dining services are available to students, and staff members from residential life and student leadership are on campus and available. The Bookstore and Devil's Den will be closed tomorrow. Email updates are being sent to students, faculty and staff as necessary, and we encourage members of the community to check the Dickinson website, Twitter page and Red Alert messages for updates.
Due to unprecedented cancellations of flights, trains and road conditions, we realize that many students will be delayed in returning to Dickinson. A liberal absence policy will be in effect. If you have questions or plan to delay your return to campus, please email security@dickinson.edu.
The following information was provided to the Dickinson community on Friday, Jan. 22:
Dickinson continues to monitor forecasts for the winter storm impacting the East Coast. The National Weather Service predicts snow beginning Friday evening in Carlisle and lasting through much of the day Saturday. Email updates will be sent to students, faculty and staff as necessary, and we encourage members of the community to check the Dickinson website, Twitter page and Red Alert messages for updates.
Residence halls are open at this time. The Dickinson College Bookstore and Devil’s Den will be closed on Saturday, Jan. 23. The Bookstore will be open with extended hours on Sunday, Jan. 24, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the Devil’s Den will be open from 11 a.m. to midnight.
The Quarry also will be closed on Saturday, but the Dining Hall will be open until 7 p.m. Meal plans begin on Sunday, Jan. 24. There will be limited food service until then, and students are responsible for paying for food in campus dining facilities before their meal plans begin. Also on Saturday, the Kline Fitness Center will be closed.
Facilities crews will be out in full force after the storm to clean walkways and parking lots on campus. Once on campus, please avoid parking in major campus lots such as ATS, Rector and Kaufman, as our facilities crews will need to have access to clear them once the snow stops. We urge you to check on road conditions in advance of your trip, and to use extreme caution as you travel back to Dickinson.
We will email students who have reservations for Dickinson shuttles if there is a change in schedule.
While classes begin Monday, Jan. 25, the provost and faculty are aware of the difficulties the storm may cause, and a liberal absence policy will be in effect. If you have questions or plan to delay your return to campus, please email security@dickinson.edu.
In addition, there have been a number of cancellations and postponements of Dickinson athletic events for this weekend:
Friday, January 22
- Men’s and Women’s Squash vs. Drexel University – Postponed (Date TBA)
Saturday, January 23
- Men’s and Women’s Swimming at Washington College – Postponed to Sunday, January 31
- Men’s and Women’s Squash vs. Colby and Franklin & Marshall – Postponed (Dates TBA)
- Women’s Basketball vs. Muhlenberg College – Postponed to Sunday, January 24 at 2 p.m.
- Men’s Basketball vs. Muhlenberg College – Postponed to Sunday, January 24 at 4 p.m.
Safety Precautions
Members of the Dickinson community are encouraged to consider the following precautions in advance of the storm:
- Use caution and good judgment if you need to be outside during periods of heavy snow or high winds.
- Ensure that your cell phones are fully charged.
- Most campus residence halls and administrative buildings have backup generator power, but it is always a good idea to have a flashlight available in the event of a power outage.
Resources and Support
- The Department of Public Safety is available 24/7 at security@dickinson.edu and 717-245-1349.
- Ensure that you are enrolled in the Red Alert system, which will communicate any emergency information that may be needed.
- Check for updates on the Dickinson Dining "Special Announcements" page regarding hours and availability.
- Follow @DickinsonCol on Twitter for updates.
Published January 22, 2016